Improving a mobile brain-computer interface for Veterans with paralysis
Official title: Enhancement and optimization of a mobile iBCI for Veterans with paralysis
Funded at Providence VA Medical Center · NIH-10854781 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new brain-computer interface that helps people with paralysis, especially Veterans, control devices like computers and prosthetics just by thinking about it, making it easier and more convenient for them to use at home.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Providence VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX003803-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10854781 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Veterans suffering from paralysis due to spinal cord injury, stroke, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that do not involve paralysis or severe motor disabilities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing a mobile intracortical brain-computer interface (iBCI) that allows individuals with paralysis to control assistive technologies using their thoughts. By recording and processing neural signals from implanted electrodes, the iBCI enables users to perform tasks such as typing, browsing the web, and controlling prosthetic devices through imagined movements. The project aims to optimize the performance and reliability of this technology, making it more intuitive and accessible for users, particularly Veterans with conditions like spinal cord injury, stroke, or ALS. The development includes a wireless system that allows for independent use at home without needing technical assistance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of life for patients with paralysis by providing them with greater independence and control over assistive devices.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar brain-computer interface technologies, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Providence VA Medical Center
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Simeral, John David — Providence VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Simeral, John David
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.